Ram guidance system

Abstract

A ram guidance system for a stamping press is provided including an outer bush mounted to a portion of the stamping press. The outer bush has a central passageway sized and arranged so that a reciprocating ram extends through the passageway. An inner bush is coaxially mounted to the outer bush and a portion of the rod, with an anti-friction bearing assembly positioned between the outer bush and the inner bush so as to guide their relative movement. In another embodiment of the invention, a metal stamping system for operating a die set is provided that includes an outer bush mounted to a portion of the stamping press. The outer bush includes a passageway sized and arranged so that a ram extends through the passageway so as to be enclosed by the outer bush. An inner bush is coaxially mounted to (i) the outer bush and (ii) a portion of the ram, with an anti-friction bearing assembly positioned between the outer bush and the inner bush so as to guide their relative movement. Tie rods may be used to form a supporting structure of the press.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 398,854, filed Jul. 26, 2002.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention generally relates to metal stamping presses and, more particularly, to guidance systems for the force imparting portions of such stamping presses.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Progressive metal stamping in which a metal strip or the like is guided along a predetermined path in cadence with the operation of a reciprocating stamping press, is well known in the art. In a conventional technique, one or more flat strips of metal stock are fed into a specially manufactured too called a “die set” that is located within, and actuated by a stamping press. Metal stamping die sets typically comprise two associated halves, which together are referred to as a “punch and die.” A conventional punch and die set has an upper shoe and a lower shoe to which metal forming, cutting, coining, bending...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a system for guiding the movement of a reciprocating rod in a stamping press. The system includes an outer bush mounted to the press and a portion of the rod, with an anti-friction bearing assembly positioned between the outer bush and the inner bush to guide their relative movement. This results in a smoother and more efficient operation of the stamping press. In another embodiment, a metal stamping system for operating a die set is provided, which includes an outer bush mounted to the press and a portion of the ram, with an anti-friction bearing assembly positioned between the outer bush and the inner bush to guide their relative movement. This results in a more precise and efficient metal stamping process."

Problems solved by technology

A lack of sufficient clearance, or unintended contact between portions of the upper and lower die sets can wear or destroy the tools.

This requirement can make it all the more difficult to ensure accurate and repeatable motion in very heavy driving arrangements needed for durability and longevity.

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